I’m back from attending the NBL’s annual Competition Congress in Columbus, OH and I’m fighting the cold I always seem to get whenever I fly. The excitement I feel from all that transpired during my time there overshadows the aching sinuses and scratchy throat. I attended the conference by invitation from one of my former home tracks, and took the opportunity to acquaint the attendees about our upcoming bike trip. Over those few days, I met with track directors and members whose tracks fall along our Florida to Kentucky route. There were many astonished responses but even more enthusiastic ones. I think the one that made my weekend was when Jacksonville, FL’s Michelle Messing and Donnell Wright offered to OPEN their track if it happens to be closed on the day that we arrive! Also, Barbara Patterson and Barb Williford of New Paltz, NY discussed with me the idea of arranging a location where their riders can meet up with us and do a“ride in/parade” to the track. Amanda of femme bmx did a live interview and we can’t wait to see her website up and running. Justin Travis of Ohio Dreams, who trained the Beast in one of her first clinics in 2002, is checking into arranging a special arrival for the Beast once we get to the Ohio leg of our tour and Gary Aragon hinted that he’s planning something special once we make it to Louisville. All of these events will be great incentives on the long days of riding ahead. Also, thanks to Shayne who offered me some great tips and some future support as we plan this ride. Frankenbutt and I are brainstorming ways for tracks to get publicity and hopefully new riders through local press coverage of our “Ride the Nation” tour. This week, I’m working with a few of the NBL staff to get a comprehensive list of email addresses and phone numbers for all the tracks that we hope to visit, so watch your inbox!Along with all the business that gets taken care of and the workshops at Competition Congress, there was plenty of time for fun and antics. As someone who is often asleep by 9:30pm, I miss a lot of happenings but love the next days’ play by play. I’m proud of my hotel mate, Penny, for resisting the urge to pose in the fountain! However, I understand that she found the naked truth about life during some of her nocturnal wanderings. The guys from the other Jersey tracks are all now dying to ride the illusive TRACK 24! Don’t fret; I heard Erma is hoping to get a map to TRACK 24 from the new “gal” in her afternoon seminar. Quick Reminder: Kick Stands aren’t allowed in BMX! Announcer Roger and Board Member Mike G were caught between a “rock and a hard place” but somehow worked it out. Before I forget, Congrats to Kittie Weston-Knauer on her new position on the Board! We are all lucky to have such a smart woman, not to mention fine bmxer, in a high profile position! Girls RULE!After arriving home late last night (technically, early this morning), I got a few hours rest and then started tackling a mound of laundry, banking and bill paying, personal calls and of course, a trip to the local bike shop. Frankenbutt’s Brooks Saddle came in to his usual bike store but the leather dressing was on back order. Before riding a Brooks seat, it’s essential to treat it so that the leather conforms to your body and makes the seat one that is hailed by long distance riders as one of the most comfortable rides out there. Frankenbutt was jonesing to try out the new seat so we stopped by Extreme Bicycles in Spring Hill, FL to see if they had any in stock. Frankenbutt was disappointed to hear that they were out of stock there, too but thrilled when “Z”, the store owner, offered to lend him his own personal can of the “Proofide” treatment, at no charge! More and more, we are finding that biking people, not just BMXers, truly are the best people on earth! Special thanks to our personal cheerleader, Ellie, who starts my days off right with her blog postings! To all our other readers, we want to hear from you, too. We’ll be starting a Twitter account soon and maybe even an ihigh website. We’ll keep you posted!And the phrase for the weekend, “in closing, thanks!”.

More later; Til then, Feel free to weigh in with your shock, support, doubts, wisdom and your own biking experiences. You can post a comment or email us, ridethenation@yahoo.com. Miles ridden so far: 0

I didn't get a lot of this. What's Track 24 and does it have something to do with kickstands? And also, who is Shayne? You explained many of the other people. Please explain.

With love,
Your kid <3

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Penny

2/21/2011 08:53:52 pm

I am so loving this blog! Keep up the good work Butterball :-)

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Ellie

2/23/2011 09:51:55 am

I cant tell you how disappointed I was that there was no blog here for me last night. This is getting to be my fun thing so keep it up. Maybe that is pathetic that my fun comes out of you, but it is what it is. Ever since you made me repeat some words in spanish to a nice bmx guy "I have a big ass" and then told another that the beast was OUR child together, I knew that you were a person of honesty, great integrity and one who could be trusted with anything! Yeah, I know...I must need to work on my medication levels.

Keep writing...but dont forget you may have to start pedalling at some point! :-)

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A BMX mom and First Time Blogger who loves travelling, playing poker and laughing every day!